The Athlete With-In

Have you ever tried something you thought you were not good at, only to find out, you were great at it?

As for me, I’m very good at applying my make-up. I’ve gotten so good over the years that I’m able to apply eyeliner.  I’m no pro and must do a little clean-up, but I must say, I’m pretty darn good at it.

Many have asked me, who did your makeup? When I say, I did; they look at me in disbelief. What they don’t know is when I really want to do something, I make things happen. When you have a disability people often think it’s impossible to do certain tasks. I need to share something with you, although things may be hard, nothing is impossible, just ask Jadyn Marstella.

Jadyn who’s going into her senior year at Springfield High School in Ohio is making history as the first person who uses a wheelchair to compete and place in the sport of seated shot put. The high schooler who once had no interest in the sport is now crushing the competition.

After taking on the position of manager for the team, the coaches, which included her father, started to encourage Jadyn to give the unique sport a try. After convincing her, she gave it a try and found out she was good at it. Although good, the coaches realized that she could be even better with adaptive equipment.

Jadyn is short in stature and when sitting in her wheelchair it makes her even shorter. The sport of seated shot put requires a certain level of dexterity to be successful in throwing the weighted ball. Jadyn’s wheelchair seat put her at a disadvantage, so the coaches came up with a brilliant solution. The coaches rented an adaptive sports chair from Columbus Adaptive Sports Club.  The new chair helped Jadyn sit much taller.

The adaptive chair made all the difference.

After throwing from the chair, the length of Jadyn’s throws increased tremendously. Matter of fact, it increased so much, that she made history.  She was the first person to place in the state from her school and the first who uses a wheelchair.

Jadyn’s determination caught the attention of many including Spradlin Bros. Welding Co.  The company was so impressed with the high schooler’s story, they custom-made her an adaptive chair at no charge. Come next year, Jadyn will be ready to take on the competition once again while sitting in her cool new chair.

Life is full of unexpected wins. In order to tap into them, you must try. Jadyn is now a state champ because she was open to possibilities. At the rate she’s going, I bet one day she’ll be adding national and Olympic champion to her title too.